Two of the most popular models in the Toyota lineup are the RAV4 compact crossover SUV and the Camry midsize sedan. Find out the differences between them in this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry comparison.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry: What are the differences?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry comparison, we evaluated multiple areas. This includes performance, gas mileage, towing, off-road capabilities, safety, passenger and cargo space, warranty coverage, and price.

RAV4 vs. Camry: Performance

For efficiency, the engine options for the 2023 Toyota RAV4 include a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (203 horsepower), a hybrid (219 horsepower), and a plug-in hybrid with the RAV4 Prime (308 horsepower). In comparison, the 2023 Camry offers a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (205 horsepower), a 3.5-liter V-6 (301 horsepower), and a hybrid (208 horsepower).

RAV4 vs. Camry: Gas mileage

On the efficiency front, the fully gas-powered RAV4 has an estimated fuel economy of up to 30 combined mpg, while the RAV4 Hybrid has a gas mileage of up to 40 combined mpg. Also, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid has a fuel efficiency of 94 MPGe when in electric-only mode and 38 combined mpg in hybrid mode. 

In comparison, the fully gas-powered Camry gets an estimated fuel economy of up to 32 combined mpg, and the Camry Hybrid gets an estimated gas mileage of up to 52 combined mpg.

RAV4 vs. Camry: Towing

If you need a vehicle that can tow, then the 2023 RAV4 crossover SUV is the better choice for you. It has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the Camry midsize sedan is not rated for towing. 

RAV4 vs. Camry: Off-road capabilities

Both Toyota models offer a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system, but the RAV4 is more suitable for off-road use. For one, it has higher ground clearance than the Camry (up to 8.6 inches vs. 5.7 inches). Also, unlike the Camry, the RAV4 has off-road-focused models with the TRD Off-Road, Adventure, and Woodland Edition trims.

RAV4 vs. Camry: Safety

The Camry has a slight edge for safety. For the previous model year, the Camry earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, which is the highest possible IIHS rating. In comparison, the RAV4 received the second-tier IIHS Top Safety Pick rating.

RAV4 vs. Camry: Passenger and cargo space

Which Toyota model is bigger: the 2023 RAV4 or the 2023 Camry? Both vehicles can seat up to five people, but the Camry has a total passenger volume of 100.4 cu-ft, compared to 98.9 cu-ft for the RAV4. However, the RAV4 provides considerably more storage space, with a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cu-ft, compared to 15.1 cu-ft for the Camry.

RAV4 vs. Camry: Warranty coverage

For warranty coverage, both the RAV4 and Camry have a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Also, both Toyota vehicles offer a free maintenance plan, with two years or 25,000 miles of coverage.

RAV4 vs. Camry: Price

Which Toyota model costs more: the 2023 RAV4 crossover SUV or the 2023 Camry midsize sedan? The starting price of the 2023 RAV4 ranges from $27,575 MSRP for the LE trim up to $45,460 MSRP for the RAV4 Prime XSE trim. In comparison, the starting price of the 2023 Camry ranges from $25,945 MSRP for the LE trim up to $36,370 MSRP for the XSE V6 trim.

2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry: Which Toyota model is better?

In this 2023 Toyota RAV4 vs. 2023 Toyota Camry comparison, each vehicle has various advantages. For the 2023 RAV4 crossover SUV, advantages include an efficient plug-in hybrid model with the RAV4 Prime, towing, off-road capabilities, and cargo space. Conversely, advantages for the 2023 Camry midsize sedan include base engine horsepower output, fuel economy for the fully gas-powered and traditional hybrid models, safety, passenger space, and a lower price.